Baseball - Hall of Fame Tigers outfielder Al Kaline dies aged 85

FILE PHOTO: Detroit Tigers legend Al Kaline throws out the ceremonial first pitch during the Tigers MLB Grapefruit League baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Lakeland Florida, February 27, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Cassese

(Reuters) - Baseball Hall of Famer Al Kaline, one of the most beloved and distinguished players of his era who spent his entire 22-year Major League Baseball career with the Detroit Tigers, died on Monday, aged 85, the team said.

Known affectionately as "Mr. Tiger," Kaline was one of the most consistent players and retired not long after he became only the 12th player to reach MLB's elite 3,000-hit club.